“No.”
“You’re sure?”
I nod in response, still trying to bring myself back into this moment.
“Do you want to wait in the truck?” I nod again before he guides me over and helps me slide into the passenger seat, where we sit and wait for the authorities to arrive.
When they do, they speak to Collins first before letting Benji say his side. I don’t hear any of it, but I do hear him whining about a lawyer as they throw him into the back seat of a cruiser. When it’s my turn, I give my statement, say yes to going down to the station to file a restraining order, and tell them I have no idea if he’s been showing up here for months or just today because Idon’t. I’ve not noticed him, haven’t received a phone call or text in months, and thought I was out of his grip.
This time, though, I am free. If he does try again, there are protections in place for me. There should’ve been a long time ago, like the officer said, but I could never bring myself to face him that way again until I wasn’t given a choice.
If you were to ask me how I ended up in bed with Collins wrapped around me, Precious mewling into my neck, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. This is how I know that Collins is exactly who I need and want to spend my life with.
“Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve been pretty quiet.” He murmurs into my hair while his free hands stroke my back.
“I think this evening was just a lot. But I don’t know what I would have done without you being there for me. Without you getting me home, without your arms to keep me safe.” I whisper into the quiet of his bedroom.
“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else tonight. Even if it wasn’t what we had in mind, there’s always tomorrow.”
“Do you want that?”
“Do I want that?” He pauses as if the question bewilders him. “Of course I fucking do. I want every night, every kiss, every tear for as long as you’ll let me have them Harley.”
“You do?” Now I’m the one who is confused.
“That’s what I said, isn’t it, Peppermint?” Now he’s pulled my attention to his eyes, forcing me to stay with him, not letting me shy away from letting him see the emotion swimming in his blue orbs.
“It is what you said.”
“Have I ever told you anything I didn’t mean?”
“No.” I try to bite back the smile threatening to escape.
“And I never will because you, Harley Wheeler, arethelove of my life.” He doesn’t let me respond, pulling me in for a gentle kiss, solidifying us.
When we pull apart, I’m able to tell him, “and you, Collins McKee, are mine.”
Chapter 23
In Private
Collins || 10 months later
After last year’s Christmas trip, our little family has decided to make this an annual thing. We continue to expand with Kodi and Maverick adding Aurora to their family just under two months ago. Very brave of them to drive multiple states with a newborn and a five year old but I know they loved every second of it. While Harley and I aren’t adding children anytime soon, I will officially be making her mine forever come Christmas morning and proposing here, where our journey started. Where it was all supposed to be fake and end after the holidays but here I am lying in bed with Harley, my wildest dream of her telling me she wanted to be mine, having come true just ten months ago.
What she doesn’t know is that my parents are coming up on Christmas Eve and will be present for our engagement. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have them involved in our lives going forward. We’ve taken the time to reacquaint ourselves with each other, to bond and rebuild the relationship we once had. It’s not perfect, and there are times when I can tell that they wish Jordan were here however, I feel that too. I don’t feelneglected or ignored like I did as a teen. I wonder how different our holidays would look, how excited Jordan would’ve been to help me design Harley’s engagement ring, or one day being the uncle that chases his nieces or nephews around the ice.
“Are you excited for tomorrow?” I ask her as we settle into bed on Christmas Eve.
“Very, last year was a core memory and I’m ready to make more with everyone.”
“Me too.” The elation over my plans for tomorrow laced beneath my tone.
“You seem a little too excited.” The slightest bit of suspicion comes through as she speaks, so I try to stay cool as our conversation continues.
“Just ready to spend the morning with everyone, eat whatever Nik is cooking up, and see what gifts everyone gives. I feel like everyone’s love language is gift giving.”
“I’m inclined to agree, Freckles. I have your gift ready, and I’m so excited to share it with you.”
